When you are targeting fish over the kelp it would be to your benefit to throw irons with spectra and a short leader. 80 lb Power Pro Slick 40-50lb flouro. Depending on your outfit, the rod may be able to withstand the shock of a strike. My personal beef stick, which is strictly used when the fish are over the kelp, is an Ulua and Saltist 40 H with 80lb Power Pro Slick 40 lb Seaguar. I don't use the outfit in open water, but for those other times braid makes life a lot easier. I will say that you should not be getting stuck in the kelp with irons unless you have a fish dug in there or you've got a backlash. Yo-yo irons should be worked in open water when the fish are keyed in on bait close to the bottom. Surface irons should be worked above the kelp, but preferably in front of schooling fish. Good luck!
